 |
Henry ZeschauSaxon lieutenant general (1810).
Date of Birth: 22.08.1760
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Early Military Career
- Napoleonic Wars
- Chief of Staff and General
- War of 1813 and Beyond
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Military Education
Heinrich Wilhelm von Zeschau was born on August 22, 1760, in Gahren bei Luckau, Rhineland-Palatinate. He received his education at the military academy in Wilhelmstein.
Early Military Career
In October 1777, Zeschau joined the artillery of the Duchy of Schaumburg-Lippe as a second lieutenant. In 1778, he transferred to the Saxon infantry regiment of the Elector. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1789.
Napoleonic Wars
During the campaign of 1793-95, Zeschau served as adjutant to the commander of the Saxon forces, General von Lindt. He fought as a major in the campaign of 1805 and distinguished himself at the Battle of Saalfeld on October 10, 1806.
In 1808, Zeschau was promoted to lieutenant colonel and aide-de-camp to His Majesty. In 1809, he was transferred to the von Neiseumehl Infantry Regiment in Bautzen.
Chief of Staff and General
At the outbreak of the 1809 campaign, Zeschau was recalled to Dresden and appointed Chief of Staff of the Saxon troops under Marshal Bernadotte. He was promoted to colonel on March 19, 1809, and to major general on April 8, upon Bernadotte's recommendation. As commander of an infantry brigade, Zeschau distinguished himself at the Battle of Wagram. He was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor for his service.
After the peace treaty of 1810, Zeschau played a significant role in reorganizing the Saxon army. During Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, Zeschau remained in Saxony and commanded all Saxon troops left in the homeland.
War of 1813 and Beyond
In early 1813, Zeschau led new formations of the Saxon army and served as commandant of the fortress of Torgau. He fought in the troops of General Thielmann and later commanded in Königstein. In late August 1813, he was appointed commander of the 1st Saxon Division, which he led in the Battle of Dennewitz.
After the Saxon troops went over to the side of the Allies during the Battle of Leipzig, Zeschau accompanied King Frederick Augustus into captivity in Friedrichsfelde and later in Pressburg and Luxembourg.
Upon his return to Dresden in 1815, Zeschau was appointed Director of the Secret War Chancellery, which supervised military education. He subsequently became President of the Chamber of Military Administration. In 1823, he was appointed Governor of Dresden. Zeschau participated in the campaign of 1830 in the Ruhr region.
Death and Legacy
Heinrich Wilhelm von Zeschau died on November 14, 1832, in Dresden. He was a highly decorated and respected Saxon general who played a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars and the reorganization of the Saxon army.
